FEMME Movie Review **SPOILER ALERT**

[@indiajohnson4149]

My favorite part of this movie is the use of the sweatshirt. Preston wears the knock off sweatshirt when he is trying to pass as straight by attacking Jules. Then Jules wears it when he is passing as straight to get out of the apartment. Then he continues to wear it as a way to demonstrate that he is being fake throughout the relationship. And Preston let's him keep it because he is working towards having enough money to buy the real thing, showing that he is working on growing and healing so that he can show up more authentically in his life and in the relationship. By the end he wants to give his real authentic sweatshirt, meaning himself, fo Jules as a gift showing he has finally been able to be real with him. Jules takes the fake sweatshirt and cuts it up and turns it into his drag costume showing that he is taking their relationship as a whole and he is going to destroy it with the truth and essentially come clean about who he is, like he is breaking through and emerging out of his performance. He wears it on stage, proudly, as a way to be his own authentic self and weaponizes Preston's vulnerability in the process against him. At the end of the film Jules opens the sweatshirt, and sees the truth of their relationship. He was falling further and further into his performance of revenge and lost himself, symbolized by wearing the cut up fake sweatshirt covered in blood. While Preston was working to become a better version of himself to be more authentic so he could finally be w/ Jules. I also loved the way you see how their living spaces also help you understand the characters. Jules lives in this huge warehouse apartment with his friends, it's big, spacious, brightly lit, full of color and eclectic decor showcasing how being out and living authentically is so freeing. Preston's apartment is so small and cramped and he is shoved into the very back of the apartment and has a tiny room and it is dark and grey and his friends take up all of the space showing that Preston is very closeted, confined, oppressed and alone. In the end you can see how much their power dynamic has shifted when Jules takes him back to his own apartment for the first time and ends up being more dominant. And Preston allows himself to be really vulnerable by allowing Jules to film him, thats the exact moment when their character arcs cross over. Overall, I was heartbroken and so devastated by this film but I absolutely loved it.

[@kattiemae9240]

love this explanation

[@NoKiddingNinja]

I came here to understand! Now I understand..... 🙌🏻

[@that_darn_rob]

Brilliant expose!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I'm so glad other people caught on the the amazing symbolism shown in this film!!! ❤️🫶🏾

[@michaelwhan5797]

❤ excellent

[@LadyScaper]

Great analysis. Then Jules hugs the real sweatshirt at the end.

[@MrJose72289]

So I just got out of this movie. I was so stressed throughout the film, just knowing and being in situations where you risk getting caught but you go for it anyway and boom, someone comes home. Very stress inducing reminiscing of those experiences. Very effective. So far the most effective movie in terms of making my physical body tense up. I really appreciated the film.

[@jasonsandoval4586]

I’m glad Joseph brought up the size of Jules and his roommates home. I was like, their place is enormous ! What do they do for a living to basically live in this lavish, giant warehouse with so many rooms and areas ?

[@DaringDasher]

This movie is brilliant but messed me up severely lol like with Joseph I thought Jules and Preston actually made a great couple and genuinely cared for each other; Preston's gift to Jules at the end broke me. My head canon is that they both considered intensive therapy to smoothen things out and eventually reconnected in a healthy way 😭

[@felixspancakes969]

Righht

[@unclebadtouched]

I thought it was just me, aside from trying to kill him I think they actually had a connection and because of Preston's anger issues that's how he showed he was hurt. You even saw little moments where Preston tried to make things right after he'd explode , offering to buy Jules a upgraded phone, touching on his anger issues and the first actual kiss they shared

[@unclebadtouched]

I think I need therapy too because I low-key was into Preston 😭

[@WinterSoldier0315]

​@@unclebadtouched same

[@demonicsweaters]

I like to think they reconcile afterwards. They leave it open-ended, so this could totally still happen.

[@FancyAlly]

I love LGBT movies like these that reference the judgement within our own community when it comes to femininity. I’m glad Jules was able to get revenge even if we don’t know if they fully went thru with it. So much nuance.

[@dogface1911]

I thought this was fantastic. Interesting and complex characters. A harrowing story. I was surprised throughout by the twists and turns of it. As a regular straight ass white guy in middle America I was completely engaged. One of the best films I've seen thus far in 2024.

[@hanbobanable]

Such a good film! By the way, when Preston said Jules' friends are 'jokes' it didn't mean they are dumb, it means they are funny - it's a compliment! So it was quite interesting how he enjoyed their company and realised the difference in their friendship group compared with his own

[@hanbobanable]

(As a brit - its slang - jokes as an adjectives is like fun/funny)

[@missmist97]

Yeah, when I found that out it really shifted my perspective. Because I thought Jules got mad at THAT, as a "one last drop". But nope, Jules just couldn't deal.

[@unclebadtouched]

Exactly I took it the other way at first but also saw Preston was texting Jules with non sexual messages, he really liked Jules I kinda wish we had atleast 10 more minutes for them to reconcile 😭

[@flavia3205]

Yes, If I can recall, about the Street Fighter game, his friends from his flat thought the game was boring, and Preston's friends liked the game.

[@seancorrigan7448]

Great film from here in Britain. Glad you guys covered this one. George MacKay is a terrific actor.

[@TechnicJunglist]

Love him.

[@96unicorns]

Toby only invited Preston to Jules' bday party because he expected that Preston wouldn't be able to handle the "gayness" of it. His character was well placed in the film and worked well as a person that was getting over their own relationship with Jules, but he was also not a good friend.

[@charliesoto120]

I thought this movie was a masterpiece and very well acted. I was crying, laughing and stressing. I'm glad you guys liked it. This is the first review I see by you guys that isn't a 3 or below

[@TheSpaceman332211]

I thought George McKay was outstanding in this. This is exactly how these London thugs act. Plus his timing for little subtle reactions & body language to what Nathan was giving was fantastic. I'd love to see a sequel just to see where these characters end up.

[@soullessdhampir]

I definitely prefer the feature length over the short. I liked femme! I definitely found the whole romance revenge pretty tense. I mean I was kinda wondering what would happen when Preston would actually be soft, and gentle like their date getting to know each other kinda makes you see that oh could this be an enemies to lovers story? And watching Jules switch back and forth between the do I do it, or don't I? Especially the more comfortable, vulnerable, and opening up to Jules Preston gets you can see that tension of Jules being like do I do it? Kinda caught in between. But than also the other tension of Jules being like if i do it I'll literally get killed. But man what a weird dynamic that would be if they became a couple? "How'd y'all meet?" " Oh Preston just beat the shit out of me, and I sought out revenge, but fell in love with his vulnerability as he opened up to me" it's definitely not a black and white movie and that's what's great about it. It's much more realistic as even real life is grey like that. Idk how people can force themselves into seeing things black and white, and not allowing to see life and reality as grey. They're both hurt people who are hurting each other they're flawed, and this goes on in real life. I personally found myself way more attracted to Jules. I'm not attracted to the hard macho type men. I've always been really attracted to androgyny and I love soft, androgynous, feminine men. I'm basically a feminine leaning bottom who gravitates to other feminine bottoms which are very incompatible sexually 😂 honestly though a feminine top 🥵. I definitely agree with Annie Jules domming Preston and Preston subby side was really hot. I wonder how much more deep hiding into the closet will Preston be now after the betrayal revenge that Jules did? It's okay to have empathy with both Preston and Jules at the same time. I mean you could literally see Jules changing Preston's perspective on being closeted and slowly getting comfortable with the idea of being seen publicly with Jules. It's a hella messy complex dynamic and situation. I mean damn poor Jules having a lovely dinner and then just fucked, and left stranded in the woods by Preston. Preston is definitely cuter when he's vulnerable and subby.

[@zlobna_bulka]

I just came from a movie. it was awesome. it seems that for half of the film the audience simply did not breathe. that's how exciting it was. I will go home to listen to your review.

[@Blazenetwork1990]

We need a part 2

[@felixspancakes969]

Frr!!! I need more 😢😢

[@beepboop8973]

I think this movie is good because it’s real. There were things that I related to to some degree, I hate how the things ended; Creatively brilliant but plot wise, because of the change they’ve been through, it’s sad but that’s just how it is.

[@elizabetha.188]

Thanks for the review! I've been enjoying Nathan Lloyd Stewart-Jarrett since he was on the British tv show Misfits.

[@draeblak]

Great review guys. I too thought that as messed up as their situation had become, they could've ended up being a great couple.

[@christophercobb249]

Nathan Stewart-Jarrett was in the National Theatre 2018 revival of Angels in America, playing Belize! I had the opportunity to see Nathan in the show in the Broadway transfer of the production. Really amazing actor - that was one of the most memorable performances I've seen on stage in the last several years. (All the acting was amazing, but Nathan Stewart-Jarrett was a standout to me.) I am not surprised the acting in this film was great. It seems like actors with strong stage experience can transfer easily to the medium of film. Whereas film actors with no stage experience don't always do as well when they are in stage roles.

[@SuperKat619]

Love and hate or very powerful emotions. I like to think they somehow manage to find their way back to each other.

[@melanieshaw691]

I just finished watching this and I'm so happy you both did a review. I loved it, very layered movie with complex characters

[@jocarton1427]

I really LOVE that you both have different opinions and balance each other in your perspectives in a mature and respectful way. Just saw this movie and this review really helps to process this outstandingly queer thriller movie.

[@USMCKong0311]

The real deal hoodie could also mean/symbolize that Preston will come out the closet and not be fake anymore. That is, assuming after they get back together.

[@PancakeDiaries]

Problem here that's being missed is that Preston brung the gift before knowing about afrodite, and afrodite did three stage performance not knowing Preston was there. I'd love to believe they reconciled, but the gift and note to me is simply the reason that Jules isn't going to upload the video... There's no revenge on the already suffering

[@nancylamadani8623]

I just hope that we get a second movie of them, where they end up making up and forgiving each and instead take revenge together on the shitty friends of Preston. That would be interesting, but i get that the movie is supposed to be Dark and realistic about How some things actually end for some people

[@macebluemoon369]

Nick you are so true with the statement that people see only what they want to see. It is nice that this film takes place in a gay bathhouse. Those safe gay places are becoming more rare these days.

[@that_darn_rob]

Easily favorite film of the year and favorite psychological thrillers and queer/lgbt film off all time! The acting, directing, symbolism, and everything...AND THE LIGHTING!!, made this film amazing. Your breakdown is spot on! 🫶🏾❤️

[@Ray03595]

I went into this one blind. This is one messed up, but fantastic movie. Honestly I dont think a movie in 2024 will top this one for me. Finally a movie that delivers on being a true thriller and actually goes all the way in its execution with that ending. Fantastic movie!

[@shadovao8704]

Thank you for the review this movie is indeed very complex on sexuality and race I loved the commentary and it’s an important topic because experiences are different from person to person. queerphobia, love and sex is heavily affected by race or racism when it comes to a black queer persons experience.

[@jasonsandoval4586]

I saw this a couple weeks ago and there were no dull moments. Excited to hear what you guys thought.

[@2023Sweetcherry]

I'm excited to see this movie where did you watch it?streaming or movie theater?

[@jasonsandoval4586]

I saw a screener at a friend’s house

[@user-uc2li5hh9s]

love, love, love ❤ i wish this commentary was longer!

[@corriemayo2715]

Shallow comment incoming: Joseph says he’s the most interesting character and with the screenshot of him the background, i believe he mean it 👀👀👀

[@MadailinBurnhope]

this sounds great, your description of its energy reminds me of Tangerine (with added revenge thriller)

[@vivaciousom5347]

Has to be excellent to get 4 out of 5 from both Joseph and Nick. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@lkf8799]

Great review guys. I saw the trailer recently and it looked good. I like how complicated it sounds. You guys look great btw.

[@VIVIEWHITE]

Am I the only one who felt sooo bad for Preston when he stops the attack and starts crying and then tries to reach Jules with his left hand? That moment just broke me.

[@elizabethm4778]

Please tell me that there’s another movie!!! I want to see their relationship blossom

[@nischalbhatt5969]

Im a straight ally. This was a GREAT film . Went in thinking it was going to be a revenge film (which i like), but was pleasantly surprised at it being a pure drama film. Great film !

[@dominiquejenkins5495]

Mannnnnnnn.. this gave me heart burn 🔥 .... it was to good but him not pressing upload and the end pissed me off so bad.. Preston fine self gave me anxity because i wanted to gat him but he made it hard. Im so mad i watched it.. i needed Jules to get some get back and why tf did he go to jail😂

[@PancakeDiaries]

I just watched this last night just because... Frickin loved it. I like authentic writing, and this hit the spot. I can believe what I was seeing. I'm from an area where the trvns community is nothing new at all... Not recognizing a trvns person when they swap out is super genuine, and I think that Jules was a good enough fit to pull that off. Afrodite didn't resemble Jules enough to pull me outta the story

[@PancakeDiaries]

Toby wasn't just Jules' friend... He was attracted to him. They have scenes that make it obvious. The inviting Preston to the performance was some shady shii and the female friend of Jules gets mad about it... Jules had been butching it up and not being his authentic self, and Toby wanted Preston to see the "real" Jules...

[@JoaquinGonzalezSmilingalways]

I finally watched this movie, excellent review guys. Love the film. ❤

[@ariesunicorn8225]

George McKay was phenomenal. You could see all the emotions run through his face when he realised who Jules really was

[@Animaxx010]

Maybe I have issues because while George Mackay is a good looking guy. I’ve never found him attractive until this movie. lol

[@felixspancakes969]

lol

[@zivaray]

This film is awesome. The best film I’ve seen all year so far

[@dominiquejenkins5495]

Bump all that team Toby...😂

[@wanya_telborn]

Hell yea!!!! Can’t wait! ❤❤❤

[@MIchelle4reel]

I wanna see this.

[@js7dragon]

I'VE BEEN IN THAT SITUATION! lol

[@LMason-qd7sq]

I like the twist on femme fatale. I think it would've been cool for the cinematography to have filmed this in black and white, soft lighting--like an old film noir.

Hopefully we will draw back from films of excessive brutality; either straight or gay. For me ' Kinds of Kindness ' showed me that and as a gay man with a personal history of straight cruelty I hope for more films that show gays and straights realise that revenge and hatred is a reversal and not the way forward.

[@cmmosher8035]

I saw this at a festival last September. Well made but really uncomfortable movie. It was racheted up because i got lost in the romance enough to like them together than i would think about the beating. Complex characters but its one ofbyhosr films i liked but I don't know i would watch again.

[@LifestylewithAbby]

This sounds like a really good movie 🍿

[@randomaccount2890]

Have any films you've reviewed ever got 5/5 rating? 😊

[@usernotime]

I loved this movie !!!!

[@mariskabrooks5015]

Amazing film

[@angelquinterovibe]

Just saw this film and omg. Omg‼️ The accuracy. Minus the drag, insert trans woman. 💯

[@Mattslittlesister55]

Are you guys going to review Late Night With The Devil? If so, I can't wait!

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

Yes

[@kylecatchings3447]

Have yall ever given a 5 out of 5???

[@paddyolten4031]

Agree agree agree…. Very good acting 🎭 toby … not to my liking

[@felixthehuman]

I admit, I look at the premise (homophobe is secretely gay) and I'm just like UGH

[@TechnicJunglist]

The premise of this film is going to be a very hard watch. Edit: Great review. Thank you both. The leads are fantastic actors. This happened to a few gay male friends of mine who get hit up by 'straight' men who beg to keep it on the DL. It happens a lot.

[@2023Sweetcherry]

I'm curious why?🤔

[@TechnicJunglist]

@2023Sweetcherry hits close to home. Many friends and I were bullied due to our sexuality. Specifically my parents in my case. Great actors tho and I can't wait to see it.

[@2023Sweetcherry]

@@TechnicJunglist "Oh"I'm very sorry to hear that it's totally horrible how hateful evil and homophobic some people can be it truly breaks my heart I hope today your able to be in a calmer safer happier better place in your life everybody deserves peace and happiness in this crazy world 🤗

[@shamarionlogan1394]

Where can I watch this movie? I have looked everywhere for it.

[@ddw7105]

Hulu

[@blueringlightiris]

123movies

[@aldon560]

Didn’t like this one. Jules deserved better.

[@b.tiwari1121]

I think you lovelies should interview at the Oscars and or Globes. We'll get actual film context interviews instead of "what are you wearing? Or Who did you bring tonight?". 🫶🏽